The Mavericks beat the Jazz to clinch a postseason spot and knocked the Jazz out in the process. The Rockets beat the Timberwolves to move into the eighth seed in the West.
Dirk Nowitzki and Mavericks are playoff bound

Russ Isabella-USA TODAY SportsSince Parsons went out after undergoing knee surgery, the Mavericks are averaging 94.93 possessions per 48 minutes. They averaged 96.77 before Parsons went out. The slower pace is working. They’re scoring more efficiently and are 8-4 without their star. It helps when the defense tightens its hold and the veterans Nowitzki and Williams play like they did on Monday.
The Jazz hung around for stretches against the Mavericks on Monday in a must-win game, but they couldn’t capitalize on open shots from the corner and Dallas ended up being too much.
Read Article >The Mavericks are coached by a sorcerer


Good morning. Let’s basketball.
BIG D: The Mavericks, against all odds, have made the playoffs again. Rick Carlisle deserves a statue at this point. Dallas beat Utah to clinch a spot in the West derby, and because the Rockets also won that puts the Jazz in a very difficult position. Utah needs to beat the Lakers Wednesday and root for the shorthanded Kings to beat the Rockets. The Rockets are in with a win or a Jazz loss.
Read Article >The Brooklyn Nets are ready for vacation


Fan has Kobe mural painted on his body


Not all heroes wear capes, but this one does.
It’s Kobe’s last night in Oklahoma City, and one Thunder fan rolled out the red carpet (his bare chest) for the legend. No matter how these last few games go, Kobe has already won.
Read Article >Byron Scott wants the Lakers to ‘Get KB the ball’


It’s unclear if Byron is trying to honor Kobe or run him into the ground in his last stand, but either way, Kobe does not seem entirely on board.
As long as we get more vintage Kobe on Monday and Wednesday, all will end well.
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